The two towns of Pulga and Concow and most of Paradise were evacuated shortly after the fire started about 6:30 a.m. Patients at the Feather River Hospital were evacuated to Enloe Medical Center in Chico. A retirement home was also evacuated.

Cal Fire reports: "This Fire is very dangerous, please evacuate if asked to do so!"

The National Weather Service reports the smoke has drifted as far south as Sacramento and is expected to reach the North Bay later Thursday.

An evacuation shelter is set up at Oroville Nazarene Church, 2238 Monte Vista Ave. The Neighborhood Church in Chico at 2801 Notre Dame Blvd. and the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds are also welcoming evacuees.